Share this:

Ruskin’s almost 60-year career began with TV roles — mostly in westerns — in the 1950s. Over the years, the character actor appeared in a wide variety of roles, some of them even in the same show. Ruskin appeared on such programs as “Peter Gunn,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Untouchables,” “Mister Ed,” “Get Smart,” “Charlie’s Angels” and more.

One of Ruskin’s earliest notable roles was as Galt in the original “Star Trek” series — the actor later had the notable distinction of appearing in a “Star Trek” movie as well as two of the show’s later spinoffs, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Star Trek: Voyager.” Ruskin played the role of Alain Christophe in three episodes of “Alias” in 2002, a departure from earlier roles in which he would often recur in multiple parts.

Ruskin also made 25 films, including “Prizzi’s Honor,” “Indecent Proposal” and “The Magnificent Seven.” Not seen as often on-screen in recent years, the actor’s final credit is for an episode of TV’s “Bones.”

Born Joseph Schlafman (according to CNN) in Massachusetts, Ruskin graduated from high school in Cleveland and joined the Navy in 1942. The actor is survived by his wife, daughter and step-children in addition to other family members.